A Copper Alliance Member
Copper Fuel Gas System FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Featured FAQs
This page provides answers to a selection of queries/requests for design assistance that we have received from industry professionals interested in the use of copper for fuel gas distribution systems.
CDA has the industry's most highly experienced national field service group that provides education, training and field support to installers, gas utilities, builders and code officials interested in the use of copper tubing for fuel gas distribution systems. If you want more information, browse the full library of FAQs.
Do you have design information on fuel gas systems?
The fuel gas section of this Web site contains design guide information for industry professionals interested in using copper tubing for fuel gas systems. Please check out this information by clicking on the Fuel Gas Design Menu link on the right hand side. Design guides and data sheets are available electronically on the web site or in printed form. Please be sure to check out these and the other information and assistance available from CDA to help you in the use of copper. If there is anything further we can do, please do not hesitate to email us.
Do you have a slide rule or a sizing tool for sizing copper fuel gas distribution system?
CDA has a slide rule calculator that simplifies sizing copper tubing for any fuel gas distributions system. Design information is available at our Web site and is also available in publication form. Please be sure to check out these and the other information and assistance available from CDA to help you in the use of copper. If there is anything further we can do, please do not hesitate to email us.
Is copper approved for use in fuel gas system by any national and regional building codes?
The National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1) and all of the major model building codes have approved copper for the use in fuel gas systems. In fact, in states like Minnesota, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, etc, copper is the dominant, if not the primary choice, for flexible fuel gas piping systems in homes and multi-family units. IAPMO approved copper for use with fuel gas in 1999 - you may want to read the announcement.
Is copper tubing permitted to be used for fuel gas distribution in Massachusetts?
The installation of fuel gas systems in Massachusetts is governed by the 248 CMR Massachusetts State Plumbing and Gas Fitting Code in which unlined copper tube is not permitted for natural gas transmission or distribution. Although the code references the allowable use of tin lined copper tube for fuel gas applications, 248CMR also references NFPA 54, which is the National Fuel Gas Code, and this code does allow the use of copper tube for fuel gas if the gas supplied contains less than 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 standard cubic feet of gas. Elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide in the gas stream can react with copper tube and can cause flaking of copper oxides on the inside of the tube.
Do you recommend any sources to purchase copper tubing for fuel gas systems?
Copper Development Association Inc. is a not-for-profit trade association representing the U.S. copper, brass, and bronze industry, and as such does not sell or distribute product. However, the copper tube that you are looking for can be purchased at any local plumbing, heating or refrigeration supply shop in your area. For contact information of manufacturers of copper tube and fittings, please visit TPF Council page.
Highlights
Learn answers to frequently asked questions, FAQs, about copper fuel gas systems.
Get a FREE Copper Gas Sizing Calculator or order any of the copper fuel gas related publications from CDA.
Check out the list of CDA Tube, Pipe and Fittings Council members:
